Math Flashcard "Monstage"...with Freebie!

Well earlier this year I posted here about storing word wall flashcards into our daily binders.  After cleaning out my own first grader's binder, I realized that I never posted the math flashcard pics and printable!!! This one actually took me awhile to figure out. I knew that I wanted to use the super cute alien/monster duck tape.  I also wanted to figure out how to incorporate the word monster or alien into the label.  The results....

So I did have to explain to my firsties what a montage was, in order for them to pick up on the "mon-stage" reference.  I really don't think they were as concerned at that point with the words as much as they loved the super cool duck tape! giggles

The labels turned out too fun!

(Graphics & Fonts by: Springhill Graphics, Kevin & Amanda)

Of course you can grab your own set of labels by clicking here!! They are made to fit Avery 5163. 

If you've got another fun idea for a play on the word monster, alien, or space that would work for flashcard storage...I'd love to see your comments. Perhaps I can re-vamp for next year!

Sloth Love...with a freebie of course!

I absolutely adore spring and everything about it.  It is probably my favorite time of year for themes... rain forests, insects, ocean....just love!! Well right now we are in the midst of the rain forest.  We've written about crocs, explored research questioning, and now my personal favorite, THE SLOTH!!  These little guys make me smile. I just think they are 7 kinds of cute.  Now on to the work...

This week our scope and sequence focuses on story elements.  We've touched on these elements throughout the year in isolation but now we are drawing attention specifically to comparing these elements in stories by the same author. I was excited to be able to introduce and post these fabulous posters from Leslie Ann at Life in First Grade that I'd purchased earlier in the year...

You can get them HERE!

I chose to focus on characters, setting, main idea, theme, and sequencing this week for my firsties.

 Story elements, an author study, plus our rain forest theme meant one perfect combination...

My kids love hearing this story every year! And it was a fabulous fit for our Shared Reading lesson.

Today, I divided my kiddos into groups and had each group illustrate or record an assigned story element onto chart paper after hearing the story again. I whipped up this freebie to record our group work and display with our sloth craftivity which we will create on Friday.

Click here for your copy of the recording sheet!

And just for giggles, I MUST include this little guy that I fell in love with during our visit to the Dallas World Aquarium a few years back.  He just hangs out above the visitors. Totally head over heels for him!

I hope that you all are able to enjoy a little of the glitter that comes with this time of year and the fast approach of...dare I mention... summer break!!

Pinkalicious & Cupcakes!

I love the week of Valentine's Day. Yes party day makes for a crazy afternoon, but it's the week that we read one of my FAVORITE books...Pinkalicious!! I just adore this book.  How could you not with this amount of pink in one place?  Even my boys get into it.  I had a little giggle today when after reading her call herself "Pinkerbell" one of the boys spontaneously yelled "Red-erbell" after she turns red.  haha.  Our theme for this week and last is cupcakes, so this fits perfectly. I use and just adore this little pack from First Grade Fanatics...

Click HERE to grab your copy.

We are also reviewing long a word families this week. I made a little gameboard for practice that matches our theme and thought I'd share as a freebie.

Get your copy HERE!

That's it for now Pink-tastic friends. Enjoy your Valentine's Day!!!

Behavior Clip Chart....Freebie!

Just before school started I posted a picture HERE about my new owl clip chart that I downloaded from 3rd Grade's a Hoot.  I'm loving this clip chart system!! I feel like I am signing (well actually a responsible student from each table is signing behavior sheets...unless a student is lower than "ready to learn", then I sign!) so many fewer folders at the end of the day and it truly saves a headache!! I LOVE that it gives a chance for those fabulous behaving students to strive for something above and beyond! Sooo...this post and couple of freebies are dedicated to those sweet owls! After reading the free ebook linked above I decided to go with the idea of adding "jewels" to the clips that reached outstanding for the day. Check out the bling (aka: glitter)!...

(Yes, my clips are spray painted white, because the wood color just wasn't working for me!)

Now on to the freebies...the ebook also suggests a "Clip Hall of Fame" for those receiving a certain number of jewels.  I went with 5! Once a student reaches 5 outstanding jewels, their clip is retired to the Hall of Fame! Check it out!

I just used a $3 frame from Walmart, some of my favorite ribbon from Hobby Lobby hot glued to the back, and this free printable!

Click HERE for your copy!

But wait, there's more...

One of my fabulous first grade team members needed her clip chart and hall of fame to match her zebra & green theme. Taadaaa!

Get your copy of the clip chart with hall of fame printable here!

And finally, one of my other teammates uses my Birdies & Buntings Classroom Decoratives so of course I'm glittering you with a clip chart that matches that set as well!!

Click here for your copy of the Birdie Clip Chart and Hall of Fame printable!

Well I hope that at least one of those will fit your room's decor and you can get some use out of this amazing little behavior management system.  I'm off to enjoy my fall weekend. giggles...

Where Has The Time Gone?...

OH MY EASTER BUNNY! It has been a month since I have posted!!! Y'all this past month has been CU-RAZY and has resulted in a short break from my glittery little blog.  First of all, our Spring Break was pushed back to the first week in April this year and seemed to take an eternity to arrive.  My kiddos were bonkers and of course the teachers were chompin at the bits for a break. And then there's the first round of state testing! Sheesh! I don't teach a testing grade level here in Texas but I do administer the test every year which is quite a bit of pressure.  Finally, my Spring Break arrived and then the chaos...my lovely little neighborhood here in Texas was hit by an F3 tornado.  My daughter and I were home when it hit. Thankfully, we and our home were left unharmed.  I prefer to never experience anything like that again.  The community is working on rebuilding and the amount of support has been just amazing!

It's just heartbreaking to see, but a miracle as well.  NO ONE was seriously injured!

Sooo...it's back to work tomorrow and time to get motivated to finish the year strong.  As I scroll through my blog Dashboard I am so refreshed by all of the ideas I see from such creative teachers and I'm getting excited to head back to the classroom and adding new glitter to this blog.   After getting inspired by Cara at The First Grade Parade revamping story retelling using a Wizard of Oz theme (you know I love me some Wizard of Oz! and glittery shoes) and loving my home more than ever after the tornado this week, I'd like to share this sweet little printable that I made as a reminder...there's no place like HOME!

Click here for your copy of the printable.

(Graphics by Dreamlike Magic, KPM Doodles, and Dennis Graphic Design)

Happy Easter everyone, enjoy your week, hug your family, and be thankful for your home!